The Executive Secretary, Institute of Export Operations and Management, Mr. Ofon Udofia, has described journalists as fortunate professionals with “thinking fingers,” who possess the intellectual capacity and versatility to excel in any business ecosystem — including the lucrative export sector.
Udofia made this assertion during a dinner party organized by the Correspondents Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) in Port Harcourt recently.
The event, held at the NBA Hall on Moscow Road, was part of activities marking the 2025 Press Week. This year’s theme was: Opportunities for Journalists in the Export Value Chain.
Addressing the gathering, Udofia said journalists have a unique advantage due to their education, creativity, and access to diverse environments. He encouraged them to explore opportunities within the Blue Economy and act as brokers who connect exporters with importers.
“Journalists are lucky. You are lettered and equipped with thinking fingers,” Udofia said.
“You can go where others cannot and turn challenges into opportunities. What is needed in export is time, money, and ingenuity — qualities journalists already have in abundance.”
He emphasized that journalists could play key roles as facilitators in trade, and even participate directly in export activities, given their strategic access and communication skills.
Udofia also called on the Federal Government to implement a 30% rebate policy to revive operations at the underutilized Eastern Ports. He warned that failure to address the issue would lead to a further decline in maritime economic activities.
“The high cost of shipping through Eastern Ports discourages trade and investment,” he noted, describing ports such as Onne, Calabar, Warri, Koko, and Onitsha as “idle assets” suffering from years of neglect, lack of infrastructure, and poor policy implementation.
According to him, revitalizing these ports through strategic policy reforms and infrastructure investments is key to unlocking the full potential of Nigeria’s Blue Economy.
Udofia further linked the country’s security challenges to widespread unemployment, suggesting that the export sector — if properly developed — could absorb thousands of job seekers. He criticized what he called a “cosmetic approach” to training and capacity building in the export sector, particularly the issuance of export licenses to individuals without adequate knowledge or experience.
“The government must ensure proper training and professional standards in granting export licenses if we truly want to grow this sector sustainably,” he concluded.
